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Buying a used boat. #12287781 06/10/17 08:28 PM
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i-Fish Offline OP
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First time boat buyer here. What are some of the things I should expect or what are some of the things I should look for/ask about during the discussion, negotiating and purchasing process on a used boat from a private seller? I'm assuming a test ride is something any reasonable seller would allow?


If you can't find em wind em.
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Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12287818 06/10/17 09:11 PM
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Donald Harper Online Happy
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- Ask for the ride you suggested. Run all pumps while on the water, Trolling Motor and depth finders.
- Ask for maintenance records.
- Ask about who worked on it last and follow up with that person.
- Get under the boat and inspect all scratches.
- Inspect the trailer for split finder brackets and cross member rust.
- Check all trailer lights and boat lights.
- Request a compression check read out with the hours on the motor.
- Check all hatch latches and locks.
- Make sure the Kill switch works.
- Ask about the age of the batteries.
- Check the age of the tires and spare tire.

You can easily spend a couple of thousand on fixing all these things on a used boat.


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Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12287855 06/10/17 09:59 PM
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Frank the Tank Offline
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If they won't let you test drive - walk away. They're hiding something.


Jesus loves all of us
Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12287896 06/10/17 11:08 PM
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IIIMag Offline
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Do everything Donald suggested plus: take it to your own mechanic for a thorough inspection; take your time and look at multiple boats so you can be confident when you find the best fit for you; invest in research time on NADA so you will know a reasonable deal when you see it; once you buy the boat, start an accrual account in your budget to cover maintenance and things that break...and enjoy!

Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12288002 06/11/17 01:18 AM
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tx2va07 Offline
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Pull bottom plug on lower unit, just enough to see if any water comes out.

Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12288008 06/11/17 01:23 AM
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EastTexasBassin Online Content
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I'd suggest checking out a few reputable boat dealers as well. They sometimes have a good deal or two. I spent a long time looking at boats being sold by individuals and ended up getting a far better deal at a boat dealer than I had found anywhere else.

Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12288273 06/11/17 11:54 AM
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bush hog Offline
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Inspect the transom closely (especially on older boats).


To whom much is given, much is required.
Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: tx2va07] #12288297 06/11/17 12:31 PM
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i-Fish Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: tx2va07
Pull bottom plug on lower unit, just enough to see if any water comes out.


I'm assuming water coming out is a bad thing? You just want oil in the lower unit, correct?


If you can't find em wind em.
Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12288803 06/11/17 08:38 PM
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GIG'EM AGGIES Offline
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Water and metal shavings should get you on to the next one. Look at some of the boats on here, I've seen some really good deals.


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Re: Buying a used boat. [Re: i-Fish] #12289068 06/12/17 12:33 AM
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SC-001 Offline
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Inspect the transom for cracks, see if it flexes, and tap on it with a socket and check for dead spots... rot.

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